Knowing the available chainsaw oil options, learning how to choose the right one and determining the right fuel/oil ratio can help ensure your chainsaw runs smoothly every time. Common Issues if Chainsaw Oil Is Bad. Chainsaw engine oil can go bad. Two-cycle oil is good for up to five years when sealed, and many manufacturers list the oil’s shelf life on the container. “One thing we do for our customers who buy a chainsaw that requires an oil/gas mix is we have them buy a gas can and we write the formula right on the can with a big black Sharpie. Then, the next time they need to make the mixture, they can dump in the right amount of oil and take the can to the gas station and pump in the right amount of gas.”
The reason a special type of chainsaw bar oil exists is that chainsaw chains and bars need a lubricant with certain qualities to keep those parts running smoothly. Motor oil will work to keep your chainsaw from burning up if you don’t have any standard bar oil on hand. Hydraulic oil is similar to motor oil and you can use it as a chainsaw bar oil substitute when you have nothing else available.
Most high quality or professional chain saws have sophisticated chain oilers that are more efficient and have the capability of controlling the amount of oil being used. FERIC STUDY The Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada tested and reported on field trials of a vegetable-based oil for lubricating chain saws. Rottne harvester operators noticed a significant reduction in the oil mist that collects on the machines windows due both to the cleanliness of the Binol compared to petroleum-based oil and to the reduced consumption of oil.
Unless you have a stockpile of gear oil available if your chainsaw oil runs out, it’s not a sound economic decision to buy gear oil as a backup. We recommend turning to canola oil as the best chainsaw bar oil substitute on our list. Chainsaw bar oil substitutes that derive from vegetables like canola oil are the best for your chainsaw.
what oil does a chainsaw take Related Question:
Can you use regular motor oil in a chainsaw?
If your manufacturer’s bar and chain oil is unavailable, you can use SAE 30 weight motor oil to lube your chain during the summer and SAE 10 weight during the winter, according to the University of Missouri Extension.
Can I use any oil for chainsaw bar?
Generally, chainsaws can handle a wide range of lubricants. Vegetable and canola oils work well, and automobile motor oil will too, as long as you observe the SAE ratings and use the appropriate oil weight for the season. Always use fresh, never used, oils.
Can I use 10w30 for chainsaw bar oil?
As a matter of fact, you can actually use regular 10w30 motor oil on a chainsaw as one of the alternatives in case you don’t have bar and chain oil. That’s because 10w30 oil has enough thickness and viscosity that will allow it to withstand the friction that is happening whenever you are using a chainsaw.
Is bar oil the same as motor oil?
Bar and chain oil is stickier than regular motor oil, so it stays on the chain longer. Motor oil flings off the chain more quickly, so if you try Terry’s tip, be prepared to refill the oil on your chain saw more quickly than with regular bar and chain oil.
What happens if you run a chainsaw without bar oil?
Without lubricant, the speed at which the chain moves over the chainsaw bar can cause some serious friction. A slowed-down chain and excessive fuel burning mean there’s a lot of friction between your bar and chain, which means a lot of heat is being produced that could do major damage to your saw.
Can you use vegetable oil chainsaw?
Effective – Vegetable oils have natural properties including good lubricity, resistance to shear, a high flash point, and a high viscosity index. These qualities lend themselves to chain lubricant requirements similar to petroleum-based chain oils, and do not contribute to chain or bar wear over time.
Do Electric chainsaws need bar oil?
Electric chain saws derive their power from an electric source, so they don’t need fuel to run. Most gas chain saws require a premixed gas-and-oil fuel to operate properly. Electric chain saws don’t require this added oil, but the bar and chain do need to be properly lubricated.
Can I use 2 stroke oil for chainsaw?
Modern two stroke chainsaws do not require generic brand oils to operate at temperatures and rpms that are comparable to those of generic brand oils. Our recommendation is to use only high quality two stroke oil designed for air cooled high performance engines when using your modern two-cycle engine.
What is special about chainsaw oil?
Chainsaw bar oil has a certain level of “slickness” to it. This slickness keeps the chain spinning at a fast rate without getting slowed down by the friction that occurs when metal rubs against metal. So, if you want to use the “correct” type of bar oil in your chainsaw, consult the manual and use what it suggests.
What viscosity is chainsaw bar oil?
What viscosity is chainsaw bar oil? The viscosity of chainsaw bar oil can vary depending on the formula but 30W is standard. In cold weather, a thin 10W chainsaw oil may be advantageous, while very hot temperatures may require a much thicker 40W or 50W formula.
Can I use wd40 on chainsaw?
We recommend using WD-40® Specialist® Fast Acting Degreaser and soak it for 10 to 15 minutes. Next, use a wire brush to remove all the grime (repeat several times) and wipe with a paper towel to make sure all the dirt is gone.
What SAE is bar oil?
To prevent this, chainsaw manufacturers make bar oils matched to the air temperature and the saw in which it is operated. Although they don’t disclose the weight of their oil, the University of Missouri Extension recommends in lieu of using a bar oil, select SAE 30 weight oil in summer and SAE 10 in winter.
How often should I oil my chainsaw?
It is recommended that you grease the bearing in the tip of the bar each time you refuel. Make sure to grease the tip at the end of the day as well to help prevent moisture from entering the bearing as the bar cools.
How important is bar oil for chainsaw?
Why use oil? You want lubrication of the actual chain against the bar. You don’t want to chain to burn – which is what might happen if there’s too much friction. Without oil, it causes frictional force on the motor in the chainsaw as well.
How often do you need to sharpen a chainsaw?
A chainsaw may only need to be sharpened once a year if it is rarely used, but a tool that is frequently used will need to be sharpened regularly to ensure that the blade doesn’t get too dull. On average, a chainsaw blade will retain its sharpness for about 3 hours of actively cutting through wood.